Cheers to a Good Impression

The do’s and don’ts of attending your company’s end-of-the-year bash

By Melissa Fiorenza/Women@Work

The e-mail invites have been sent and the tinsel has been strung. If you play your cards right, ye old office party can be a great opportunity to exhibit your professionalism, personality and social skills to your coworkers. Done wrong, you could end up as the gossip du jour at the water cooler come Monday — or worse. Whether you’re vying for a promotion or simply want to enjoy yourself, mentally file away these tips from HR and etiquette experts before you hit the eggnog bowl.

DO Circulate.

Never met the folks in IT, art department or billing? Introduce yourself. “Diversification is the hallmark of an investment portfolio, and the same holds true in networking and relationship management,” says Jacqueline Whitmore, etiquette expert and author of Poised for Success: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals. Be sure to meet people from various levels of your organization, she says, and especially those from different departments.

DON’T Overindulge on the drinks.

This is where most employees go wrong: Even if the venue is a club, it’s still a form of the workplace. “I’ve seen many people get terminated after behaving badly or drinking too much,” says Rose Miller, owner/manger of the Human Resource Consulting Practice of Pinnacle Recruiting and HR Solutions in Albany. “If you’re eying that promotion, and then get silly, out-of-control drunk, you won’t look promote-able.” Stick to two drinks or less, depending on your limit, and opt for beer and wine over liquor. If you don’t drink at all, politely decline offers — no explanation needed.

Extra tip: When it comes to food, go ahead and enjoy the hors d’oeuvres, but try to focus more on the mingling than on the meatballs, says Whitmore. “Select foods that are easy to eat, won’t get stuck in your teeth or give you bad breath.”

DO Choose your guest wisely.

If the invitation includes a plus one, Debra J.M. Best, an Albany-based HR expert and consultant, suggests asking yourself this, assuming your automatic date is not your spouse: “Who would I bring on an interview?” That said, it’s not the ideal place to bring a blind date or someone you’ve recently met. Someone who appears courteous and polite will reflect well on you and the company you keep.

Extra tip:Get the introductions out of the way first, so you can relax and have fun. Best advises introducing your supervisor first, then your guest.

DON’T Talk shop.

Unless your supervisor engages you in a conversation about your latest project, leave work at the office — “for the sake of your guests and fellow workers who would prefer to keep the event social,” Whitmore says. “It will frustrate, and maybe alienate, those who don’t share your enthusiasm and understanding for your particular specialty.”

Extra Tip: If someone you’re chatting with starts in on the rumor mill or negativity toward the company, change the subject or excuse yourself.

DO Dress accordingly.

“When choosing an outfit, dress conservatively (so) as not to wear something low-cut or too short — and dress for the occasion,” says Kristen Stangle, manager of Human Resources for nfrastructure in Clifton Park. If the party is being held somewhere akin to nfrastructure’s chosen venue, Saratoga National, select an elegant cocktail dress. If it’s a more low-key space, aim for business casual. (See ‘What to wear’ for details.)

Extra Tip: Ask yourself: If a partygoer tags a photo of you on Facebook, what outfit will look most appropriate?

DON’T Forget your Ps & Qs.

Basic etiquette applies, whether the party is on the company dime or not. RSVP as soon as possible, ask if you can bring anything, and thank your host at the end of the night. “If you’re going to someone’s house for it, never show up empty-handed,” Best says. Flowers, a plant or homemade dessert always go over well.

Extra Tip:Before you snap a photo and tweet it, make sure you understand your company’s public reputation policy. If you’re not sure if that’s a good idea, ask your HR department.

Can’t reschedule a prior engagement?

Completely understandable. “Just let co-workers and the organizer know why you cannot make it so others know you wanted to be there,” says Stangle.

What to Wear

Oftentimes office soirees kick off right after work ends, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Start the day with something clean and chic, says Ann Maloney-Costantino, owner of Fly Boutique in Latham. Then transform to a nighttime ensemble using her checklist, below:

Switch out your flats for evening heels (no more than 3 inches!)

Add jewelry, such as dangling earrings or a bold necklace

Ditch the blazer for an embellished cardigan or beautiful wrap

Move items from your work bag to a dinner clutch (remember Altoids!)

Touch up your makeup for a more evening look

Party-planning committee

If you’ve ever seen an episode of The Office, you know that being on the planning team comes with loads of responsibility. Make the Scranton branch proud with these tips from Rose Miller of Pinnacle’s Human Resource Consulting Practice Miller.